Free Electricity For A Year With Volvo
Volvo launched their first-ever all-electric vehicle, the XC40 Recharge, in Los Angeles last week. They also launched a global incentive called the Recharge campaign, which gives owners of electric and plug-in hybrid Volvo’s a full refund on all electricity used in their first 12 months of ownership. The good news for Mzansi is that the campaign will be rolled out in South Africa. Here’s everything you need to know.
According to Greg Maruszewski, Managing Director of Volvo Car South Africa, the Recharge campaign offer will be applicable to all plug-in hybrids ordered from October 16. “In South Africa, this offer applies to the Volvo XC90 T8. Official measurement of electricity used will start in May 2020. After a year of driving this car, the owner/main driver will receive a complete refund equivalent to the cost of electricity used to power the car,” he reveals.
Customers will be able to monitor and track their vehicle’s electricity consumption through the Volvo On Call application. The refund is based on the consumption measured by the device, so there aren’t many loopholes to exploit. On top of that, the vehicle must be kept by the same owner for a minimum of 12 months, and the offer excludes rental cars. Perhaps there’s an opportunity here to make the most out of the 2-pin plug outlet found in the XC90?
Strong customer demand is expected as a result of this unique offer, “Volvo Cars will triple the capacity of plug-in hybrids as of 2020,” says Maruszewski. This would be a dream situation for the manufacturer following the announcement of their intentions to reduce the lifestyle carbon footprint per car by 40% between 2018 and 2025. From 2021, all Volvo’s that are sold with a recharger cable will be rebranded to ‘Recharge’ models.
Also worth a look: the 315kW of Swedish Grit: The Volvo EX30 Cross Country Revealed and the Volvo EX90: The Future of Safety Lands in SA in 2025.
FAQ
Q: What does the Volvo XC90 T8 cost in South Africa?
The Volvo XC90 T8 plug-in hybrid starts from around R1,299,900 in South Africa, but with the free electricity for a year offer, you're looking at genuine savings that could add up to R15,000 or more depending on your driving habits.
Q: Is the Volvo XC90 T8 worth buying with the free electricity offer?
Absolutely, the XC90 T8 delivers 300kW of power, seats seven in luxury, and with Volvo covering your electricity bills for 12 months, you're getting premium Swedish engineering with running costs that won't make your wallet cry.
Q: How does Volvo track your electricity usage for the refund?
Volvo uses the built-in consumption meter in your XC90 T8 and tracks everything through the Volvo On Call app, so there's no fiddling with receipts or trying to separate your car charging from your geyser usage.
Q: What are the requirements to qualify for Volvo's free electricity offer?
You need to order your XC90 T8 from October 16, keep the car for minimum 12 months under the same ownership, and rental cars don't qualify, but beyond that it's pretty straightforward for genuine buyers.
Should You Buy It?
The best luxury plug-in hybrid SUV under R1,500,000 in SA is definitely the Volvo XC90 T8, especially with this free electricity deal sweetening the pot. At R1,299,900, you're getting a seven-seater that combines 300kW of power with genuine fuel savings, plus Volvo's legendary safety tech and build quality that'll outlast most marriages. The free electricity for a year isn't just marketing fluff either, it could save you R15,000 to R20,000 depending on how much you drive. Yes, you should absolutely buy it if you're in the market for a premium family SUV that won't guzzle petrol like a thirsty rhinoceros.
